Rule 100: Reduction of benefits which would otherwise attract unauthorised charge
414.Rule 100 makes provision for the reduction of an individual’s benefits where payment of those benefits by the Pension Fund would attract an unauthorised charge (i.e. an unauthorised payment charge or an unauthorised payment surcharge under the Finance Act 2004). Rule 100 seeks to prevent an unauthorised charge from occuring.
415.Rule 100(a) applies in the event that an unauthorised charge would arise in respect of any payment made from the Pension Fund. Rule 100(a) requires the Fund trustees to reduce the amount payable from the Pension Fund to an amount which is just below the threshold which attracts this charge.
416.Where no reduction is possible under (a), rule 100(b) requires the Fund trustees to withhold any payment to the individual in accordance with rule 101.